FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Monday, September 14, 2026
 

Mental Health Professionals across Louisiana and Mississippi Invited to the Fourth Annual Excellence in Mental Health Virtual Conference

MONROE, La. – Mental health professionals across Northeast Louisiana and beyond will have the opportunity to learn from nationally recognized clinicians, educators, and mental health experts during The Center for Children & Families’ fourth annual Excellence in Mental Health Virtual Conference, taking place September 17-18.

The two-day virtual conference is designed to provide mental health professionals and students with practical training, meaningful conversation and opportunities for professional growth, all from the convenience of a virtual platform.
This year’s conference features a diverse lineup of speakers addressing topics ranging from clinical skills and evidence-based practices to resilience, authenticity, burnout prevention, and professional wellness. Fifteen continuing education units (CEUs) are available, including opportunities in ethics, supervision, diagnosis, telehealth, and general mental health education.

“We believe excellence in mental health care begins with continuing to learn, grow and examine how we show up for the people we serve,” said Chris Ramsey, Chief Operating Officer for The Center for Children & Families. “This conference gives professionals an opportunity to step away from the demands of their day-to-day work, learn from experts and return to their communities equipped to make an even greater impact.”

The conference will feature keynote speaker Eddie St-Vil, whose presentation, “Your Story Is Not the Problem. Hiding It Is,” will explore how trauma, adversity, failure and resilience can shape the way professionals show up in their work. Through three defining moments from his own life, St-Vil will challenge attendees to consider how the work they do within themselves can influence the work they do with others.

The conference is particularly relevant for clinicians, counselors, social workers, educators, supervisors, students and other professionals working to support the mental health and well-being of children, families and communities.

Because the conference is entirely virtual, professionals throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and surrounding regions can participate without the need for travel, making it accessible for those seeking quality professional development and CEUs.

Excellence in Mental Health 2026

   September 17–18, 2026
 □Because the conference is entirely virtual, professionals throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and surrounding regions can participate without the need for travel, making it accessible for those seeking quality professional development and CEUs.

Excellence in Mental Health 2026

 September 17–18, 2026
 Virtual Conference
 15 CEUs available
•Featuring keynote speaker Eddie St-Vil
Registration is still open, with the conference beginning Thursday, September 17. Mental health professionals and students interested in participating can learn more and register at standforhope.org/excellence-conference/.
 

About The Center for Children & Families

Founded in 1999, The Center for Children & Families exists to promote safe, healthy environments for children and families through advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention. Today, the organization operates four regional locations and serves thousands of clients annually, helping them overcome life's most difficult challenges and build brighter futures.
To learn more, visit www.standforhope.org.
For more information about The Center for Children & Families, please contact:

Liz Gaught

Director of Marketing & Communications The Center for Children & Families
318-398-0945 | lgaught@standforhope.org
Virtual Conference
15 CEUs available
•   Featuring keynote speaker Eddie St-Vil
Registration is still open, with the conference beginning Thursday, September 17. Mental health professionals and students interested in participating can learn more and register at standforhope.org/excellence-conference/.
 
 

About The Center for Children & Families

Founded in 1999, The Center for Children & Families exists to promote safe, healthy environments for children and families through advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention. Today, the organization operates four regional locations and serves thousands of clients annually, helping them overcome life's most difficult challenges and build brighter futures.
To learn more, visit www.standforhope.org.
For more information about The Center for Children & Families, please contact:

Liz Gaught

Director of Marketing & Communications The Center for Children & Families
318-398-0945 | lgaught@standforhope.org